US Gun Sales Projected to Reach an All-Time High This Year

As of the beginning of November, gun sales are on the rise for the sixth month in a row nationwide. Nearly 2 million background checks for firearm purchases were processed by the FBI in October alone. If the trend continues, analysts say the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) will be on track to process the most firearm-related background checks ever in a single year. The current record was set in 2013. Sales figures started out strong at the beginning of the year, and have accelerated further since May.

The consistently strong sales have also contributed to a renewed interest among investors in the firearm industry. Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. stock, for example, has nearly doubled in value this year. Manufacturers that specialize in compact self-defense weapons have become especially attractive to many investors.

So why the sudden and significant uptick in sales since last year?

Industry experts are attributing the surge in sales to a number of factors. On the one hand, geopolitical unrest overseas and a series of campus shootings at home have caused renewed concerns about self-defense among many Americans. Still others are taking preemptive measures in case firearm legislation becomes more heavily restrictive in the future. In addition to these considerations, gun manufacturers have also succeeded in reaching into previously untapped markets such as women and millennials in recent years.

The FBI’s report on background checks does note that there’s not necessarily a one-to-one correlation between sales and background checks as these regulations vary between jurisdictions. Nonetheless, such a huge right in background checks is indicative of a statically significant rise in sales as well.

Chuck Werninger

Rick

Gun sales are up because of fear, fear of government, fear of tyranny, fear of unAmericans who don’t agree with our law that we NEED to be armed to protect ourselves from them.
The last time we were under martial law and tyranny gun control became the main issue. That ended in revolution.
Anyone who knows history realizes that all oppressed countries today would not be that way if not for gun control. Most violence occurs in gun free zones. If you are protected, can defend yourself, the chance of an encounter is diminished considerably.
It happened here on 19 April 1775, smart citizens know this and will not allow it to occur again.
Gun sales can equal freedom if used properly.